Chapter 3 terminology Flashcards
Dendrite
Portion of neuron that receives signals
Neuron
Nerve cell specialized for communication
Axon
Portion of neuron that sends signals
Synaptic vesicle
Spherical sac containing neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitter
Chemical messenger specialized for communication from neuron
Synapse
Space between two connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted
A gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal
Synaptic cleft
Cell in the nervous system that plays a role in the formation of the BB barrier and responds to injury, removes debris, and enhances learning and memory.
Glial cell
Myelin sheath
Glial cells wrapped around axons that act as insulators of the neurons signal
Electrical charge difference (-60 millivolts) across the neuronal membrane, when the neuron is not being stimulated
Resting potential
Membrane potential necessary to trigger or fire the neuron; action potential
Threshold
Electrical impulses that travels down the axon triggering the release of neurotransmitter
Action potential
Absolute refractory period
Time during which another action potential is impossible; limits maximal fire rate
Location that uniquely recognizes a neurotransmitter
Receptor site
Means of recycling neurotransmitters
Reuptake
Main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. Mimic alcohol and anti-anxiety drugs. They increase its activity
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Muscle contraction
Acetylcholine
neurotransmitter involved in motor function and reward
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter used for pain reduction
Endorphins
Neurotransmitter involved in mod, temperature regulation, aggression and sleep cycles
serotonin
Plasticity
Ability of the nervous system to change; flexibility
Creation of new neurons in the adult brain
Neurogenisis
Central nervous system
Part of the nervous system containing brain and spinal cord that controls the mind and behavior
Nerves in the body that extend outside the central nervous system
Peripheral Nervous System
Pockets in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provide the brain nutrients and cushion against injury
Cerebral ventricles
Cerebral cortex
Outermost part of forebrain, responsible for analyzing sensory processing and higher brain functions
Forebrain (cerebrum)
Forward most part of the brain that allows advanced intellectual abilities
Two halves of the cerebral cortex
Cerebral hemispheres
Large band of fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain
Corpus callosum
Upper middle part of the cerebral cortex lying behind the frontal lobe specialized for touch and perception
Parietal lobe
Temporal lobe
Located near the ‘temples’ and plays a role in hearin, language, and memory
Responsible for the motor function, language, memory, and planning
Frontal lobe
Motor Cortex
Part of frontal lobe specialized for movement
Section of frontal lobe specialized for thinking, planning, and language
Prefrontal cortex
Responsible for language (speech) in the brain
Broca’s area
Back of the cerebral cortex specialized for vision
Occipital lobe
Primary sensory cortex
Regions of the cerebral cortex that initially process information from the senses
Basal Ganglia
Region in forebrain responsible for movement control
Emotional center of the brain that also plays a role in smell, motivation, and memory
Limbic system
Thalamus
Gateway from the sense organs to the primary sensory cortex
Part of the brain responsible for homeostasis
Hypothalamus
Amygdala
plays a role in fear, excitement, and arousal
Hippocampus
Spatial memory
Cerebellum
Sense of balance
Brain stem
Part of brain between the spinal cord and the cerebral cortex. Contains the midbrain, pons, and medulla
Midbrain
movemnt, visual stimuli, and reflexes to sound
Hindbrain
region below the midbrain that contains the pons, medulla, and cerebellum
Part of the brain stem that connects the cortex with the cerebellum
Pon
Medulla
Heartbeat and breathing
Thick bundle of nerves that conveys signals between the brain and the body
Spinal cord
Interneuron
Neuron between other neurons
An autonomic motor response to a sensory stimulus
Reflex
Somatic nervous system
Part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movement
Autonomic nervous system
Controls involuntary actions
Sympathetic nervous system
Fight or flight response in the autonomic system
System of glands and hormones
Endocrine gland
Hormone
Chemical released into the blod stream
Pituitary gland
Master gland (under control of the hypothalamus)
lateralization
Some functions are more focused on one side of the brain then others
Split brain surgery
Severing of the corpus callosum to prevent seizures
Twin study
Study of how traits differ in identical versus fraternal twins.
